The letter is addressed to Russell at his Battersea flat, meaning it had to be written no earlier than February 1919. It may have been written as late as August 1921. There are three letters from Colette, document .052474, record 98389; document .052475, record 98390; document .052476, record 98391, all written from the Ship Inn, all in her more familiar hand, all in late August 1921. This letter does not fit easily into that sequence. There is, however, a reference to the passing of a year: "Much life has passed by me in this year."

There is a reference to Clacton, where Russell and Colette were in July 1920.

There was even doubt that this letter was from Colette; her name appears in pencil on the envelope followed by a question mark.